FighterControl

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has confirmed the Red Arrows will get new jet aircraft in the next couple of years but has not said exactly when.

Sir Michael, who visited Lincolnshire last week, told the BBC that the crack RAF aerobatic display team is to receive a replacement to their Hawk T1 jets.

This type of jet was built by Hawker Siddeley between 1974 and 1977 and British Aerospace from 1977 to 1999.

Red Arrows aerobatic display team to get new aircraft

The Red Arrows aerobatic team will get new planes, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has confirmed.

The announcement comes as RAF stations in Lincolnshire celebrate 100 years in the county.

There has been some uncertainty in recent years whether the team based at RAF Scampton would be retained.

Sir Michael said the team's current Hawk jets need to be replaced and a decision will be made over the next couple of years.
He said it was too early to say which aircraft would replace the Hawk jets.



He said: "The Red Arrows are going to be here to stay for a while yet -They are a key part of our defence engagement, as we call it, around the rest of the world, and I don't think the public would let us lose the Red Arrows."

There has been speculation in the media in recent years that the Red Arrows could be axed as part of defence cuts in the UK.

In 2014, The Express reported the Queen was said to be worried about the team's future.

Politicians, including Labour's Vernon Coaker, have also previously said there can be no guarantees.

The team is currently taking part in a 60-day world tour aiming to promote "the best of British", which includes its first ever display in China.



RAF Waddington, Cranwell and Scampton are all holding events marking 100 years in the county.

Sir Michael said: "Lincolnshire is central to the RAF's story, and has a proud history."

He cited the Dambusters' role in World War Two, and the Vulcan involvement in the Falklands conflict, and the work being done today to tackle terrorism in the Middle East.

RAF Cranwell is also home to the RAF's Central Flying School, which under the leadership of Robert Smith-Barry, revolutionised flight training for new pilots.


History of the Red Arrows


The RAF had several aerobatic display teams in the 1950s and 1960s, but decided to disband them and form a single, full-time professional team

The name Red Arrows was chosen to combine the appeal and expertise of two earlier teams, the Black Arrows and the Red Pelicans

The team was founded in 1965 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and is currently based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire

Since its formation, the team has performed more than 4,500 displays in 56 countries

there are some who might suggest the Tucano

Gary wrote:.......Let the speculation being Is the Hawk T2 production line still active?

Agent K wrote: As they're currently manufacturing and selling series 100 aircraft to both India and Saudi Arabia, I hope it is still open!

Gordyflyer wrote:I wonder? 15 serials allocated BAe Hawk T2 ZK045 to 059

Malcy wrote:Would be fantastic if we tooled up and started to make good stuff again - maybe our Brexiteer Government will sort this out.

22A wrote:Being mischievious; new a/c, but nothing about personnel.
A nine ship team of high speed drones?